Leather process automation for die cutting operations

Abstract

A processing system for processing a leather hide includes a laser system configured for illuminating the leather hide with location information for placement of a die. A method of processing and a computer program product are also disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A processing system for processing a leather hide, the processing system comprising:
 a laser system configured for illuminating the leather hide with location information for placement of a die.   
     
     
         2 . The processing system as in  claim 1 , wherein the laser system includes at least one of a camera, at least one laser projector, and a computer for controlling the system. 
     
     
         3 . The processing system as in  claim 1 , wherein the location information is displayed as at least one of a graphic, a symbol and a design. 
     
     
         4 . The processing system as in  claim 1 , wherein the laser system is further configured to illuminate the leather hide using projected iconic feedback. 
     
     
         5 . The processing system as in  claim 1 , further comprising instructions for correlating placement of a plurality of dies with a job description. 
     
     
         6 . The processing system as in  claim 1 , further comprising instructions for identifying at least one defect in the leather hide. 
     
     
         7 . The processing system as in  claim 1 , further comprising instructions for mapping a plurality of defects in the leather hide. 
     
     
         8 . The processing system as in  claim 1 , further comprising machine readable instructions for correlating a defect map with the leather hide. 
     
     
         9 . The processing system as in  claim 8 , wherein the location information accounts for defects identified within the defect map. 
     
     
         10 . A method for processing a leather hide, the method comprising:
 illuminating the leather hide with location information from a laser system; and,   placing at least one die upon the leather hide according to the location information.   
     
     
         11 . The method as in  claim 10 , further comprising pressing the at least one die into the leather hide to provide at least one workpiece. 
     
     
         12 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein the illuminating further comprises providing at least one of an icon, a symbol and a design. 
     
     
         13 . The method as in  claim 10 , further comprising receiving user input and adjusting the illuminating according to the input. 
     
     
         14 . The method as in  claim 10 , further comprising mapping placement of a plurality of dies upon the leather hide. 
     
     
         15 . The method as in  claim 10 , wherein the location information is determined according to defect information for the leather hide. 
     
     
         16 . A computer program product stored on non-transient machine readable media, the computer program product comprising machine executable instructions for processing a leather hide, the instructions comprising instructions for:
 operating a laser system for illuminating the leather hide with location information; and,   adjusting operation of the laser system according to user input.